dhajja ضجة

Tunisian Derja · noun

“dhajja” (ضجة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning fuss, controversy, buzz.

Meanings

1. fuss, controversy, buzz
2. noise, din

Usage

Dhajja mainly refers to media or social commotion around a subject, often seen as exaggerated. The typical construction is "3mal dhajja" (to make noise, to create a buzz), with the preposition "3la" for the object of the controversy: "3amlin dhajja 3la walou". The word comes from standard Arabic. It is very common in online comments and in the media, a little less so in familiar conversation. For physical noise, Tunisians more readily use "7ess" or "tbarbich". Dhajja often keeps a critical nuance: you are reproaching someone for seeking attention.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dhajja” but also “dhajje”, “dajja” and “dhaja”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “dhajja” on the Arabic keyboard